12 top activities to experience in Switzerland

While no country has it all, the Swiss can justifiably feel quite pleased with what they have.

In Switzerland, nearly every drive, train ride, boat journey, or cable car ascent offers a touch of the extraordinary, leading you to thundering waterfalls, deep gorges, hidden valleys, or UNESCO-listed vineyards. Medieval cities with charming old quarters and remarkable art collections are often just a stone's throw from stunning turquoise lakes and the majestic, glacier-capped Alps. The blend of urban life and nature is seamless.

Whether it's drifting along the Rhine in Basel, admiring Paul Klee’s vibrant artworks in Bern, hiking beneath the towering Matterhorn, experiencing the icy thrills at the Aletsch Glacier, or savoring Chasselas wines in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux as the sun sets over Lake Geneva, these are some of the finest experiences Switzerland has to offer.

1. Drift down the Rhine in Basel

Where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet, Basel immerses itself in a vibrant mix of avant-garde art and architecture, boasting galleries that rank among Europe's finest. Yet, this city also embraces a more relaxed pace.

Enter the Rhine, where office workers shed their suits for swimsuits, and families flock to the river for weekend splashes. A unique way to experience Basel is to grab a Wickelfisch (a waterproof bag shaped like a fish to keep your belongings dry), head to the riverbanks in Kleinbasel, and float by city landmarks as the current carries you downstream. For those who prefer to stay upright, stand-up paddleboarding or joining a tour with Birs73 is an option. Locals often conclude their swim with drinks and sunbathing at a buvette (a riverside bar), especially on hot summer days.

Tip for planning: Jump in just below Museum Tinguely to float 3km (1.8 miles) down the Rhine, or chart your own course by consulting the map. Wickelfisch bags can be purchased at the tourist office in central Barfüsserplatz.

2. Gaze at the stars from your bed

On a night so quiet you can hear your heartbeat, the Alps welcome darkness, accompanied only by the soft jingle of cowbells. The sky is a dazzling canvas of constellations and distant planets, like scattered glitter. Sounds enchanting? It truly is. With the Million Stars Hotel, you can experience a unique collection of open-air accommodations across the country, allowing you to reconnect with nature while indulging in some pre-sleep stargazing.

And we’re not just talking about basic tents here. These innovative stays will be stories to tell for years—imagine elegantly furnished beds placed on remote mountain peaks, a chic gondola perched on a cliff, a cozy bed beneath an apple tree, or a ‘beehive’ pod boasting views of Eiger’s towering North Face. In Switzerland, these options are not only clever but also incredibly comfortable.

Tip for planning: Since each location accommodates only two guests, it’s wise to book ahead. Most options are available from July to October.

3. Experience the Glacier Express

Switzerland is unmatched when it comes to train travel, where charming little red trains (always polished and punctual) glide effortlessly from valley to peak, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking Alpine views from the comfort of your panoramic seat. These train journeys evoke the elegance of a bygone era and rank among the finest in the world.

One iconic journey you must experience at least once is the Glacier Express, which traverses the Furka, Oberalp, and Bernina passes during its eight-hour trip between Zermatt and St. Moritz in the stunning Graubünden region. Expect captivating vistas of lush meadows, dense forests, rushing turquoise rivers, dramatic canyons, ancient castles, towering mountains, and majestic glaciers. This entire trip showcases incredible engineering from the 1930s, with the Landwasser viaduct—a breathtaking six-arched bridge—and the Oberalp Pass (2,033m/6,670ft) truly highlighting the untamed beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Tip for planning: If you're looking to save some francs, consider that regularly scheduled trains along the same route offer just as much enjoyment at a significantly lower cost. You can break up your journey by using cheaper SBB trains and staying overnight along the way.

4. Explore the Swiss National Park

To experience the Alps before the tourist crowds arrive, venture southeast to the Swiss National Park in the Lower Engadin valley of Graubünden, where the mountains spill over into Italy. Easily reachable from charming villages like Scuol, Zernez, and S-chanf, Switzerland’s sole national park spans 172 square kilometers (66 square miles) and is a breathtaking tapestry of rushing streams, high moors, lush pastures, glaciers, larch and pine forests, and serene lakes. This pristine wilderness has been untouched since its establishment in 1914, with no logging, haymaking, or hunting taking place within its borders.

The best way to fully appreciate the park is by lacing up your hiking boots and venturing into its trail-filled heart. If time allows for only one hike, choose the Lakes of Macun, a 21-kilometer (13-mile) trek from Zernez that takes you to a stunning Alpine plateau adorned with 23 sparkling lakes in hues of topaz and sapphire. Alternatively, consider joining a guided hike with a park ranger, which you can arrange at the visitor center in Zernez. With an expert alongside, you're more likely to spot unique wildlife such as wild edelweiss, ibex, chamois, golden eagles, and bearded vultures.

Tip for planning: While camping is prohibited, you can spend the night at the wonderfully remote Chamanna Cluozza. Perched at 1,882 meters (6,174 feet) above sea level, this cabin is the ultimate off-grid retreat straight from your Alpine fantasies. Access requires a moderately challenging 3½-hour uphill hike from Zernez, so be sure to bring your own sleeping bag.

5. Cruise on Lake Lucerne

While there are taller peaks in Switzerland than those that hug the fjord-like banks of Lake Lucerne, none are as deeply rooted in Swiss folklore. As you navigate the emerald waters of Lake Uri, you’ll catch sight of Rütli Meadow, the revered birthplace of the Swiss Confederation dating back to 1291. Also worth a visit is the Tellskapelle, a charming frescoed chapel that marks the spot where the legendary William Tell, known for his apple shot, is said to have evaded capture by his Hapsburg foe, Gessler.

The mountains surrounding Lucerne are steeped in legend, with tales swirling like mist. Since 1889, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway has been climbing to 2,128 meters (6,981 feet) at Mt Pilatus, rumored to be haunted by the spirit of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate. Forget the ghost stories—what captivates are the views that stretch to Germany’s Black Forest on clear days. Competing for beauty is 1,797-meter (5,895-foot) Mt Rigi, renowned for its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, once captivating the artist JMW Turner, who portrayed it in three different lights.

Tip for planning: Lucerne serves as an excellent hub for exploring the lake, featuring its charming Old Town, medieval wooden bridge, and a picturesque promenade along the lakeside.

6. Ride the Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch

The Swiss are truly pioneers in travel. Since 1912, a little red train, powered by hydro energy from the start, has been making its way to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet), carving through the icy core of Eiger. Recently, the eco-friendly journey has been enhanced with Grindelwald’s Eiger Express, a speedy tri-cable gondola that generates green energy during the first leg of the trip. Prepare to be awestruck as you glide over the stunning scenery, transitioning from spruce forests and wooden chalets to a dramatic world of rock and ice. You’ll be so close to the towering North Face of Eiger that it feels like you could reach out and touch it.

At the summit of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jungfraujoch, the air turns crisp, and the landscape is perpetually blanketed in white. The view from the Sphinx observation deck is breathtaking, showcasing a panorama of snow-capped peaks reaching over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) and the swirling 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) of the Aletsch Glacier, with Germany and France visible in the distance. The frosty Ice Palace is a mesmerizing world of ice tunnels and sculptures—impressive today, but even more so when first chiseled by mountaineers in the 1930s.

Tip for planning: Make sure to wear warm layers and sturdy boots, especially if you plan to hike the 45-minute trail to Mönchsjochhütte, Switzerland’s highest mountain hut with services.

7. Journey along the Furka Pass

It’s hard to tell whether it’s the exhilarating hairpin turns or the jaw-dropping vistas that send your heart racing on this winding alpine drive from the remote Goms valley in Valais to the mountain-clad Andermatt in Uri—the gateway to southeast Switzerland.

Cover the 31km (19-mile) Furka Pass from west to east for maximum impact, as dark, rugged peaks and glaciers loom in your rear-view mirror. If you feel like a secret agent at the wheel, you’re not mistaken—this road was featured in the thrilling car chase of the 1964 film Goldfinger. As you navigate dizzying switchbacks, the route reaches its peak at 2,429m (7,969ft) at the Furka Pass, offering views of the stark rock landscape of a wind-swept plateau, alongside the deeply crevassed Rhône Glacier and its icy grotto, before the sweeping descent to Andermatt.

Tip for planning: The road typically opens from June to October (weather permitting), so be sure to check conditions before you set off.

8. Embrace adventure in the valleys of Ticino

In the warm, Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in southern Switzerland, the lakes often steal the spotlight. However, venture into Ticino’s hidden valleys and you’ll escape the crowds to discover the region’s true essence. Here, shimmering, jewel-toned rivers flow through chestnut forests and charming granite villages perched atop hills (including Switzerland’s tiniest, Corippo, with a mere 15 residents). After a day of hiking or biking, unwind on the vine-draped terrace of a rustic grotti (tavern), enjoying polenta and brasato (beef braised in red wine) paired with a glass of robust local Merlot.

The wild and wooded Valle Maggia attracts mountain bikers and hikers alike, featuring 700km (435 miles) of trails, including the demanding 52km (32-mile) six-day Via Alta that showcases the region’s finest sights. For those seeking more thrills, head to the rugged Val Verzasca, carved by its namesake emerald river and crisscrossed by the Sentiero Verzasca trail. This valley offers every Alpine adventure you can imagine, from hiking and cycling to rafting, bouldering, paragliding, and even bungee jumping from the 220m (656ft) Verzasca Dam, famously featured in the opening scene of GoldenEye. Swissraft can help you experience it all.

9. Immerse yourself in culture in Bern

Wandering through the streets of Bern, you might find yourself marveling at its status as the capital, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, green parks, outdoor cafés, resident bears, and the picturesque hills surrounding it. The city is undeniably beautiful, perched on a bend of the stunningly turquoise Aare River, encircled by gentle hills and offering views of the snow-capped Alps on clear days. It’s also a cultural hub worth exploring.

Start your adventure in the Altstadt, Bern’s medieval core, complete with cobbled streets, arcades, and vibrant flags. Here, you can admire the intricate Zytglogge clock (try to arrive four minutes before the hour to catch the glockenspiel show), the impressive Gothic Münster (climb its towering spire for panoramic views), and various whimsical fountains, including the Kindlifresserbrunnen, featuring a giant munching on children.

Culturally, Bern is a delight. Visit the apartment where Einstein lived and the splendid Kunstmuseum, which houses Renaissance treasures along with works by Monet and Picasso. Don’t miss the chance to visit the striking Zentrum Paul Klee, designed by Renzo Piano, to admire the vibrant creations of Swiss-born artist Paul Klee.

Detour: Take a break from sightseeing with a refreshing wild swim in the Aare River. When temperatures rise, join the locals for a relaxing float downstream.

10. Ski or hike beneath the Matterhorn

Nothing captures Switzerland’s love for the outdoors quite like the Matterhorn, a mountain that has challenged countless climbers and inspired a chocolate bar (Toblerone) shaped in its likeness. Arrive in Zermatt via the train from Täsch, and, like all those before you, you’ll find it impossible to tear your gaze from this iconic peak.

And who could resist? Towering at 4,478m (14,691ft) above the Italian border in southern Valais, this jagged spire of rock and ice is breathtaking, especially from above. You can ski, hike, or climb in its shadow by taking the world’s highest 3S cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883m (12,739ft), where views extend across the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps.

For an up-close look at the melting ice, tackle the moderately challenging Matterhorn Glacier Trail, a two-hour, 6.5km (4-mile) hike. In winter, hit the slopes on 360km (223 miles) of ski runs, some of which cross into Italy, all while enjoying the stunning vistas of the Matterhorn.

Planning tip: If you have climbing experience, consider summiting with the help of an Alpine guide.

11. Take in the Aletsch Glacier

As you venture into the secluded Goms valley in Valais, the Alps reveal their wild side, with charming hamlets reminiscent of Heidi, complete with sun-weathered chalets and meadows bursting with flowers leading up to towering peaks. While the Matterhorn often steals the spotlight, the Aletsch Glacier stands out as a stunning highlight of the Jungfrau-Aletsch region. Flowing past delicate waterfalls, rocky spires, and the jagged Aletschhorn peak (4,193m/13,756ft), this 23km (14-mile) stretch of intricately crevassed ice is the longest and most massive glacier in the Alps.

View the glacier from an observation point, or for a closer look, embark on the 17km (10.5-mile) hike from Fiescheralp to Bettmeralp, which takes five to six hours and offers breathtaking sights at every twist, along with occasional sightings of Valais Blacknose sheep. If you're seeking an adrenaline rush, walk across the Aletschji–Grünsee Suspension Bridge, soaring over the 80m-deep Massa Gorge.

Planning tip: Getting to the glacier is half the adventure. Start in Fiesch and take the cable car to Fiescheralp, then continue to Eggishorn for your first breathtaking view of the majestic Aletsch.

12. Stroll through the vineyards of Lavaux

Nestled in the western part of the country, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux vineyards are a paradise for wine lovers. These steep, terraced vineyards climb the hills above Lake Geneva. If you’re not familiar with them, it’s because the exclusive, small-batch wines are mostly enjoyed by the Swiss themselves—few bottles make it to international markets.

Before you dive into the caveaux (wine cellars) for a petite dégustation (tasting), take a moment to learn about the wines. The grapes here are said to be kissed by three suns: the sun above, the one reflecting on the lake, and the warmth from the dry-stone walls. The primary grape variety is Chasselas, an ancient type that yields crisp, flinty white wines with fresh citrus notes. Fruity reds like Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Salvagnin account for only 20% of the production.

You can drive along the winding roads that trace 40km (25 miles) of the lakeshore or hop on the Lavaux Panoramic Train. However, to truly appreciate Lavaux, exploring on foot is ideal. Numerous little trails weave through the vineyards, but the standout is the 11km (6.8-mile) path from St-Saphorin to Lutry, where you'll enjoy stunning vistas, charming villages, and inviting wine cellars.

Planning tip: To get an excellent introduction to Lavaux wines, visit Vinorama in Rivaz. Located in a beautifully renovated bunker by the lake, this center guides you through the wine production process, and you can taste a variety of wines in the Espace Dégustation.